Does Using Air Conditioning in the Car in Summer Consume More Fuel?
2 Answers
Using air conditioning in the car during summer does consume more fuel, and the lower the temperature inside the car, the faster the fuel consumption. Here are some precautions to take when using air conditioning in summer: 1. Do not rush to turn on the air conditioning. After entering the car, open the windows and turn on the fan to accelerate air circulation. Wait for proper ventilation before turning on the air conditioning, which can effectively expel toxic gases from the car and also provide better cooling; 2. Make good use of the internal and external circulation modes. Choose the internal circulation mode in congested urban areas to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the car; 3. Control the air direction and time. Direct the airflow diagonally upwards, as this can provide effective cooling from top to bottom; 4. Turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine. A few minutes before parking, turn off the air conditioning compressor but keep the blower running, and then turn off the blower after reaching the destination.
I've been driving for many years, and using the air conditioning in summer does consume more fuel. The AC system requires the engine to power the compressor for cooling, which increases engine load and leads to additional fuel consumption. Specifically, in stop-and-go city traffic, using the AC can increase fuel consumption by 10-15%; it's similar on highways because the air resistance is high, and opening windows actually consumes more fuel. I recommend not setting the temperature too low, around 25°C is enough—it keeps you cool without wasting too much fuel. Additionally, if you often encounter traffic jams, try opening the windows to ventilate and cool down before starting the car, then close the windows and turn on the AC. This reduces the compressor's long-term workload. Also, regularly check the AC filter and maintain the system for better efficiency. Overall, using the AC wisely only slightly increases fuel costs, and safe driving is more important.
